Steering wheel alignment - solution found

[jonesy889]

I've been struggling for a while with an off-centre steering wheel, had the wheels laser tracked many times, Renault checked all the suspension and bearings, nothing seemed to be wrong.

I was using a local tyre specialist (basically a small independent version of Kwik Fit) to do the tracking, they had the laser gear that aligns the front wheels to the rear, and were doing all the toe settings etc., and generally seemed to do a good job.

Anyway, I recently got 4 new tyres and it still wasn't right, I had to steer to the left all the time to go straight. So I went and had the tracking done again, and then I had to steer to the right all the time! So I'd started to disbelieve what I'd thought about it being suspension etc. I chatted to one of the mechanics while he was doing it - basically they just line the steering wheel up by sight, and hold it in place with a very weak spring loaded device (see illustration). Even if the steering wheel was aligned perfectly by sight, the movement at the wheels as they are adjusting the tracks rods would make the steering wheel move. So, I made a couple of long 'chocks' out of an old pallet, and using a spirit level against the markings on the wheel got it (very) secure in the dead straight position. They did the adjustments with the lasers and now its perfect!

So, if you are having steering wheel alignment problems, check how they secure the wheel in the centre postition! The gear they were using seemed pretty high quality (obviously apart from the spring loaded steering wheel clamp), so I wouldn't be surprised if other garages use a similar system. Here's an illustration of their system/my chocks:



Megane 1.9dCi Sport Hatch 17" alloys, 96k

[Kevin22]

i had the exact same problem with my car, had it lazer lined and everything many times, renault had it under warranty, but cudnt sort it.....actually made it far worse!

After alot of complaing they just told me to take it to someone else or a body shop as they cudnt fix it!

So i argued over payment and went to a body shop who told me that a megane cannot be lined using the back wheels, it must be done just by the look of the steering wheel position! this is because there is no adjustment is the meggys rear axle, and they are nearly always out of line! Only if the car wears the back tyres reali bad sue to being outta line will renault take much of a responibility for it!